Glass Technical Document | TD-107

Residue on Glass
The glass cleaning recommendations in this may chemically attack the glass surfaces. Rust
document are offered by Vitro (formerly PPG (iron oxide) will not usually deteriorate the
Industries) for specific projects with severe glass surface, but may be very difficult to
residue and dirt build-up and should not be remove. Silicone concrete sealing materials can
used as standard cleaning procedures. discolor glass surfaces; it is a good practice to
protect glass surfaces whenever practical during
Glass construction of the building. Special attention
should be paid to single-glazed reflecting
For over two thousand years, the lustrous, hard glasses. These are not any more susceptible to
and inert characteristics of glass, coupled with damage than uncoated glasses. However,
its transparency, have made it one of the world’s scratches and other damage to the coating are
most desirable and used building materials. more noticeable."
Glass has been successfully used in the Silicates
construction industry for many years on
thousands of projects involving billions of While the above paragraph is generally true, it
square feet of glass. contains some information that deserves
clarification. It states that alkaline materials
NO VITRO GLASS, BY ITSELF, EXUDES, such as concrete wash off may chemically attack
LEACHES OR BLEEDS ANY RESIDUE OR the glass surfaces. What actually happens is
STAIN CAUSING MATERIALS. this: When rainwater makes contact with a
concrete surface, small amounts of silicate
material dissolve into the water. If these
Runoff and Glass Damage
dissolved silicate solutions are allowed to dry on
When water reaches a building, it is reflected, glass in the building, the result is a tenacious,
absorbed into the building materials, or allowed water-insoluble deposit that is chemically
to run down the façade. When this water is bonded to the glass and resists conventional
permitted to run down over masonry, sealants, cleaning agents. The chemical bond occurs as
and other building materials, and onto the glass, quickly as evaporation to dryness occurs, and is
the water can carry with it contaminants that as likely to occur in mid-winter as other seasons.
may react with and adhere to the glass surface. With repeated run down and evaporation of
These contaminants could lead to a residue that silicate solutions the permanent deposits can
is difficult to remove, a stain that cannot be build up and become quite unsightly.
removed, or the chemical attachment of certain
minerals to the glass surface. Masonry
Staining, and, etching of glass can result from
The following paragraph was excerpted from substances released from concrete facades and
Metal Curtain Wall, Window, Store Front and concrete window frames. Rainfall can permeate
Entrance, Guide Specifications Manual concrete, then leach alkaline materials from it,
published in 1976 by Architectural Aluminum and deposit them on the glass. In some
Manufacturers Association. instances, this may cause surface staining and
etching.
"Glass may be damaged, etched or stained by a
number of materials typically used at a job site. Concrete frames at window heads should be
Surface damage may be caused by weld splatter designed so that any runoff is directed away
and wind-blown debris. Alkaline materials such from the glass. Edge drips and a second drip, as
as concrete wash off and certain cleaning agents another line of defense, should be provided. Pre-

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Residue on Glass
cast panels and all other concrete for outdoor the residue may become tenaciously bonded to
walls should be processed for thorough mixing, the surface of the glass due to normal
full hydration, and complete curing. Concrete weathering. If the residue is permitted to have a
surface treatments (with acid, sandblasting, long residence time, very costly cleaning
bush-hammering, grouting, waterproofing, etc.) techniques may be required to remove the
must be completed before glazing begins; any residue from glass surfaces.
loose particles resulting from these operations
should be removed by normal wash, rinse, and Due to exuding, leaching or bleeding, sealants
dry cleaning. need not necessarily be in direct contact with
glass to produce a residue on glass. Residues
It is essential that these surface treatments be from metal expansion joint sealants, parapet
completed prior to glazing. Vitro's experience sealants, and metal and masonry weather-
verifies that if these surface treatments are sealants, may still run down and deposit on the
performed while glass is in place, the risk of glass surfaces, either by gravity or through the
permanent damage to the glass is great, and action of rain.
complete replacement is usually the only
practical remedy for damaged glass. On projects where residue build-up from
sealants has occurred, it cannot be Vitro's
Glass should be examined at least monthly responsibility to analyze these residues to
during construction when it is installed adjacent determine their source, nature or composition.
to or below concrete or other masonry surfaces Because there are so many sealants available in
that are exposed to weather. When inspection the construction industry, Vitro cannot
reveals dirt, scum, and other deposits or staining, effectively analyze them all, or comment on
glass should be immediately washed. their performance or recommend their use.

Sealants Metals
Organic sealants used in today's glazing systems Weathering steels, for example, release oxides
may exude, bleed, or leach solvents, oils and/or while "aging". These oxide deposits should be
plasticizers, etc. under normal weathering removed from glass by regular cleaning methods
conditions. initiated early during construction. If the metal
oxides are permitted to wash over glass and are
Depending on the type of sealant used and the permitted to accumulate, they can leave a
weathering conditions encountered, residue from deposit that is tenaciously adhered, requiring
sealants can vary dramatically in content, costly cleaning techniques to remove the residue
degree, and the time period over which the from the glass surface.
residue continues to exude from the sealant.
Generally, the degree of residue from sealants
will diminish asymptotically over time.

In the great majority of projects, frequent

cleaning of glass will remove deposits or residue
using normal wash and rinse glass cleaning
methods.
When residue from sealants is allowed to remain
in contact with glass surfaces over a long period
of time without frequent washing of the glass,

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Glass Fabrication Processing Marks
Window fabrication and installation practices
utilize many means to process, store, and install
the glass. These means are generally used to
prevent glass to glass contact or glass damage
from occurring, and to safely handle the glass
either manually or automatically. These means
may include but are not limited to the use of
separator pads, conveyor belts, conveyor rollers,
brushes, the use of suction cups, etc. While the
use of these devices during the fabrication and
installation process does not leave a visible
residue on the glass surface, they do change the
surface condition of the glass which could
provide for a visual appearance under certain Photo Above shows an installed window with heavy
conditions. For example when water would condensation on Glass. Different patterns are visible
bead up on the glass surface from either within the condensation including the outline of a Vacuum
condensation, cleaning or rain, the outline of the Cup mark which may have been used to handle the glass
during fabrication or installation. There are no visible
processing contact may become visible. The marks present on this glass in the absence of condensation.
different water beading patterns can create an
outline with distinct lines of demarcation which
can take the shape of the device that had
previously contacted the glass surface in this
area.

While this appearance would be noticeable

under certain conditions, it does not affect the
functionality, performance, or longevity of the
glass. It is possible that this condition could
dissipate over time with normal exposure to the
elements and regular glass cleaning. It may be
possible to immediately minimize or remove the
surface differences present by following the
cleaning procedure in Attachment C. Use
caution with this cleaning method, test a small
area first, as glass scratching may occur if light
pressure is not used.

Photo Above shows an installed window with heavy

condensation on Glass. Different patterns are visible
within the condensation including the outline of separator
pad marks on glass. As above there are no visible marks
present on this glass in the absence of condensation.

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Residue on Glass
Cleaning Recommendations Design Recommendations
In situations where residue build-up or Early in the design stage, architects should
processing marks may have occurred, building consider glazing details designed to avoid water
owners and building maintenance supervisors run-off onto glass surfaces. The use of reveals,
may wish to consider cleaning procedures as splays, flashing, drips, etc. from sealants,
indicated in Attachments A, B, and C. Cleaning masonry or metals can minimize run-off and
procedures in Attachments B and C are intended avoid the deposition of residue onto the glass.
for evaluation by building owners and
maintenance supervisors and should be Location of water sprinklers in relation to glass
conducted on a selected sample (5 to 10 lites) of surfaces should also be considered early in
glass to determine: (1) their effectiveness and (2) design. Direct or windblown hard water spray
estimated costs. from water sprinklers can produce tenaciously
bonded inorganic residues on glass surfaces. If
The cleaning procedures shown on Attachments spraying is repeated and/or wet, dry spray cycles
A, B, and C can be recommended, evaluated, are permitted to remain in contact with glass
and used on Vitro products with non-low-e surfaces, for even short periods of time, costly
coated surfaces. This would include all Vitro cleaning procedures such as those recommended
clear and tinted products, monolithic Solarcool® in Attachment C may be required.
or Vistacool®, and any IG units with Vitro
Solarban®, Sungate®, Solarcool®, Vistacool® Extended periods of cyclic water spray without
coatings facing the airspace of the IG unit. frequent cleaning of glass may allow residue
build-up to develop which cannot be removed
by cleaning procedure in Attachment C. Glass
The indicated glass cleaning procedures have
replacement may be the only practical remedy.
been successfully demonstrated on projects
having a rundown residue. However, if the cause
Well-designed glazing surrounds that minimize
of the residue deposit on glass is not corrected, it
run-off, combined with a review and
is likely that recontamination and residue build-
recommendations from responsible material
up will recur.
suppliers, will help eliminate residue build-up.
Long-term beauty and performance of glass
After evaluation of these cleaning methods, their
surfaces that architects and owners have
costs and effectiveness, it may be found that the
reasonably come to expect over the centuries
only practical remedy for tenaciously bonded
will thereby be assured.
residue on glass surfaces is replacement of glass
and modification of the glazing system to avoid
recontamination.

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Residue on Glass

For detailed cleaning procedures

See the following ATTACHMENTS A, B, and C

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Residue on Glass

ATTACHMENT A

Recommended Standard Glass Cleaning Procedure

1. Apply mild soap, mild detergent, LEPTYNE®* solvent, xylene, toluene, mineral spirits or naphtha
solvents to glass either by spraying or using a clean, grit-free cloth or sponge saturated with
cleaning solution. Complete coverage of area to be cleaned is a necessity. For ease in cleaning, an
area not exceeding 10 to 15 square feet is recommended. When using solvents, be careful not to
damage glazing or insulating unit seals by overgenerous application of solvent. In addition,
comply with solvent manufacturer's directions on label for toxicity, handling and flammability
warnings.
2. Wipe the above cleaning solutions on the glass in a circular motion, applying light to moderate
pressure; Approximately 3 to 5 passes of the affected area may be required to remove the residue.
Fewer or more passes may be required, depending on the adhesion and severity of the residue.
3. Rinse the glass surface immediately with generous amounts of clean water, removing the cleaning
solution from the glass surface.
4. Using a squeegee or clean, lint-free dry cloth, remove water from the glass surface.
5. If glass residue is still evident, repeat steps 1, 2, 3, and 4.

Important Notes:
1. Do not clean glass when glass is exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Glass should be cleaned by starting at the top of the building, systematically working down to
glass installed on lower levels. This technique reduces the possibility of residue and cleaning
solution rundown on glass previously cleaned.

*LEPTYNE® is a registered trademark of PPG Industries, Inc.

The glass cleaning recommendations in this document are offered by Vitro for specific projects
with severe residue and dirt build-up and should not be used as standard cleaning procedures.

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Residue on Glass
ATTACHMENT B

Recommended Glass Cleaning Procedure with RD-10 Detergent

For Evaluation by Building owner or Maintenance Supervisor

1. Make a solution of RD-10 detergent and water, 1 part by volume RD-10 to 5 parts tap water.
2. Apply RD-10 solution on glass by spraying, or using a hand pump spray bottle. Using a soft damp
cloth lightly spread the RD-10 water solution over an area of 10 to 15 square feet. Complete
coverage of area to be cleaned is a necessity. For ease in cleaning, an area not exceeding 10 to 15
square feet is recommended.
3. Leave RD-10 solution on glass for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
4. With a damp, clean lint-free cloth, wipe the RD-10 solution on the glass-in a circular motion,
applying light to moderate pressure. Approximately 3 to 5 passes of the affected area may be
required to remove the residue. Fewer or more passes may be required, depending on the adhesion
and severity of the residue.
5. Rinse the glass surface immediately with generous amounts of water, cleaning off all RD-10
solution from the glass.
6. Using a squeegee or clean lint-free dry cloth, remove water from the glass surface,
7. If glass residue is still evident, repeat steps 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6.

Important Notes:
1. Do not clean glass when glass is exposed to direct sunlight.
2. Glass should be cleaned by starting at the top of the building, systematically working down to
glass installed on lower levels. This technique reduces the possibility of residue and cleaning
solution rundown on glass previously cleaned.

RD-10 detergent can be obtained from:

The Rockland Corporation

12215 E. Skelly Drive
Tulsa, Oklahoma, 74128
(918) 437-RD10

The glass cleaning recommendations in this document are offered by Vitro for specific projects
with severe residue and dirt build-up and should not be used as standard cleaning procedures.

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Residue on Glass
ATTACHMENT C

Recommended Glass Cleaning Procedure with Cerium Oxide

For Evaluation by Building Owner or Maintenance Supervisor

1. If using Cerium Oxide power, make a paste with the Cerium Oxide and water approximately 3
parts Cerium Oxide to 1 part water.
2. If using the Cerium Oxide paste, use the paste directly from the container.
3. Using a clean, lint-free cloth, wipe the Cerium Oxide paste on the glass in a circular motion with
light pressure (two to four pounds). Cerium Oxide is an abrasive and, therefore, scratching could
result if light pressure is not used. For ease in cleaning, an area not exceeding five square feet is
recommended. Approximately three to five passes of the affected area may be required,
depending on the adhesion and severity of the residue.
4. Rinse the glass surface immediately after Cerium Oxide cleaning with generous amounts of clean
water, removing the Cerium Oxide paste from the glass
5. Using a squeegee or clean, lint-free dry cloth, remove water from the glass surface
6. If glass residue is still evident, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5
7. For evaluation of fabrication processing marks, lightly mist the surface with clean water. If
marking is still evident, repeat steps 3, 4, and 5.

Only optical grade Cerium Oxide should be used, which can be obtained from chemical supply companies.
A source for Cerium Oxide is:

1. Universal Photonics, Inc.

85 Jetson Lane
Central Islip, NY 11722
(516) 935-4000
Powder Part Number BA2018NS - Unicer 18, (1pound package - Powder)
Paste Part Number BA2018PASTE – Unicer 18, (1pound container – Paste)

Important Notes:

1. Do not clean glass when glass is exposed to direct sunlight

2. Recommended to clean glass by starting at the top of the building, systematically
working down to glass installed on lower levels. This technique reduces the possibility
of residue and cleaning solution rundown on glass previously cleaned.

The glass cleaning recommendations in this document are offered by Vitro for specific projects
with severe residue and dirt build-up and should not be used as standard cleaning procedures.

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Residue on Glass

HISTORY TABLE
ITEM DATE DESCRIPTION
Original Publication 11/30/1981
Revision #1 1/10/2002 Revised & transferred to TD-107
Added Glass Fabrication Processing Marks section
Revision #2 11/6/2006
and pictures.
Revision #3 10/4/2016 Updated to Vitro Logo and format
Updated Cerium Oxide source in Attachment C,
Revision #4 1/4/2018
removed reference to SG300 and SG500 on page 4.

This document is intended to inform and assist the reader in the application, use, and maintenance of Vitro Flat Glass products. Actual
performance and results can vary depending on the circumstances. Vitro makes no warranty or guarantee as to the results to be
obtained from the use of all or any portion of the information provided herein, and hereby disclaims any liability for personal
injury, property damage, product insufficiency, or any other damages of any kind or nature arising from the reader's use of
the information contained herein.

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